Chemistry is studied at ncn High Pavement Sixth Form College.
This course can also be studied over two years, or as an intensive one-year programme for post-sixth form students or those aged 19+ at ncn High Pavement Sixth Form College.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
This a lively course with a fresh approach to Chemistry. It has been developed by academics, industrialists and those who work in chemistry-related fields such as medicine, agriculture, materials technology and energy provision. Students studying this course will be made aware of the ways in which chemistry is used in the world today and of the work that chemists do. Emphasis will be on the frontier areas where new developments are taking place. You will find that the appeal of chemistry will be broadened as you learn how it relates to people’s lives. There is a range of teaching and learning activities which include computer modelling, debate and independent learning, in addition to practical work. The course is authorative as far as academic Chemistry is concerned and provides a sound basis for further study at University. At the same time it is a satisfying course for those who will not study Chemistry beyond ‘A’ Level.
Our facilities
Our laboratory is very well equipped, with all the resources needed for an up-to-date Chemistry course, so that students are all able to work individually as well as in groups. We also have the services of first-class laboratory technicians, who are always on hand to assist in practical sessions. There are IT facilities within the department.
Teaching and Learning
The practical work involves analytical and preparative techniques in inorganic and organic chemistry and physical chemistry experiments. The practical skills of manipulating apparatus, observing, measuring, recording and evaluating which were learned at GCSE are further developed.
What will I achieve from the course?
You learn chemical principles in the context of modern applications of chemistry. Chemical principles are introduced as they are needed and then revisited and taken further. This ‘dripfeed’ method of learning has proved to be highly successful.
Where the course may lead?
The majority of our ‘A’ Level students go on to university. Apart from reading for a degree in Chemistry, many read for degrees in Chemistry-related subjects: Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, Medicine: Dentistry and Physiotherapy. Other choices are degrees in Science subjects which do not include Chemistry, but where an ‘A’ Level in Chemistry is essential, or an advantage e.g. other areas in Engineering, Physics, Biological Sciences and Education. Other students read for degrees which are not related to Chemistry: Law, Accountancy, Maths. An ‘A’ Level pass in Chemistry is a well respected qualification in any field.
Length
- 'AS' in Year 1
- 'A2' in Year 2
Entry Requirements
'AS':
- At least Grade B in GCSE Additional Science
- At least Grade C in GCSE Mathematics
- At least Grade B in Chemistry if you have studied the three separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) at GCSE level
'A2':
- At least Grade E in the two ‘AS’ Chemistry written papers.
Course Content
3 units at 'AS' Level, including:
- Chemistry for Life: the elements of life and developing fuels
- Chemistry of Natural Resources: elements from the sea, the polymer revolution
- Chemistry in Practice
3 units at 'A2' Level, including:
- Chemistry of Materials: medicine, materials revolution and the tread of life, the steel story
- Chemistry by Design: colour by design, the oceans, medicines by design, visiting the chemical industry
- Individual Investigation
Assessment
A combination of examinations and coursework
Aims & Ambitions
A Higher Education course in Medicine, Agriculture, Materials Technology, Energy, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Chemical Biochemistry or a career in one of these areas.